Descendants of Jonesville Community Reflect on History and Call for Greater Recognition from WKU
Descendants of the historic Jonesville community in Bowling Green, Kentucky, recently participated in a panel discussion to share their connections to the former predominantly Black neighborhood. The panel, held at the Honors College and International Center, featured David H. Greer, Alice Waddell, and Akisha Townsend Eaton. They discussed their personal ties to Jonesville, how these connections manifest today, and their aspirations for future recognition of the community. Jonesville, founded in the 1860s, was a self-sustaining Black neighborhood known for its local businesses, churches, and sunflowers. In the 1950s, Western Kentucky University (WKU) expanded its property by acquiring Jonesville land through eminent domain, displacing residents. Today, WKU's Houchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium and E.A. Diddle Arena stand on the former site. A historical marker, #2052, commemorates Jonesville. A documentary titled 'Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall,' released in 2025 by WKU Public Media and the Kentucky F...